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SAVE THE DATE! FARE Walk for Food Allergy

Each May, Food Allergy Research & Education, also known as FARE, hosts a nationwide week-long campaign, to shine a spotlight on the seriousness of food allergies, and to improve public understanding of this potentially life-threatening medical condition. This year's Food Allergy Awareness Week is taking place now through May 14th, and Baltimore City is supporting the cause by lighting up City Hall in teal, the color associated with food allergy awareness!

Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room in the U.S. As a restaurant, Miss Shirley's Cafe takes food allergies very seriously. In fact, it is a restaurant policy for our servers to ask guests, “Are there any food allergies at the table?” before any orders can be placed.

This is why Miss Shirley’s is happy to help say "FAREwell to Food Allergies," in support of the upcoming local FARE Walk for Food Allergy on Sunday, October 9th at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore! Miss Shirley’s has participated in, and sponsored, the FARE Walk for 5 consecutive years.

Over 450 children and adults impacted by food allergies come out for this fun, family event; last year walkers raised over $58,000 total for Food Allergy Research & Education! With the help of loyal guests, friends and supporters, Miss Shirley’s Cafe raised $9,659 of this total, and will continue to work toward their fundraising goal of over $10,000 this year!

Along with other vendors and sponsors, Miss Shirley’s Cafe will be giving out Shirley’s Swag, including Orange Coffee Mugs, Oven Mitts, T-Shirts, Gift Cards and more, to walkers who stop by the cafe’s table, with a FARE donation, to spin a Prize Wheel!

Miss Shirley’s is also happy to donate, and hand out, Bottles of Water, as well as special Orange Door Hangers, reminding those with Food Allergies to “STOP! Remember your epinephrine!” before leaving their house.

This year, FARE is honored to have Brian Matusz, Baltimore Orioles Pitcher, as the local FARE Walk Honorary Ambassador! Diagnosed as a child, Brian suffers from a peanut allergy, and knows how difficult it is to live with a food allergy. He is happy to do whatever he can to help spread awareness, encourage respect, promote safety, and improve the quality of life of the 15 million Americans affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.

The Orioles will donate some fundraising incentives, such as signed baseballs, an autographed Brian Matusz Jersey and a pregame on field Player Meet and Greet, including four tickets to a game! The Orioles host a peanut-free suite for seven dates this season. Tickets for this suite are available via phone order at 888-848-BIRD.

Other local and national sponsors who will be participating in the event include: H&S Bakery, SunButter, Enjoy Life & Skeeter Nut Free, who will be giving out free samples of their allergen-free snacks!

In addition to free giveaways, children in attendance will also be able to enjoy playing on the GameTruck, which will be parked at the event. Families and individuals will also have the opportunity to take photos with Local Mascots and Cheerleaders!

To get into the Fall spirit, we will offer the Miss Shirley’s Teal Pumpkin Painting Station, where walk participants donate $5 to FARE, and get to decorate and take a teal pumpkin home to place outside their front door on Halloween, to symbolize that they will be providing non-food treats to children with allergies! All Miss Shirley’s Cafe locations will also be participating in FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project on Halloween Day, by giving out non-food Halloween Treats, such as stickers, pencils, note pads, bracelets and more, to ensure that all of our child guests have a happy and safe Halloween.

Miss Shirley’s Cafe would like to encourage the community to participate in the FARE Walk, and support friends and family with Food Allergies by joining us at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore on October 9th! BONUS: Every walker will receive a FREE Zoo ticket on Walk Day!

We also urge anyone interested in volunteering to be a FARE Walk Youth Ambassador, helping in the picnic area, or assisting at a project station to please reach out to Jen@MissShirleys.com.